On August 4th, Premier Wu Den-Yih of the Executive Yuan listened to the report on the "2nd Anniversary of Typhoon Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Efforts Accomplishments" by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council, Dr. Chern Jenn-Chuan. His response during the 2nd post-disaster anniversary was an occasion for reflection and gratitude. It has also been a starting point to make more comprehensive preparations in order to face the future. This was the 15th time the Reconstruction Council has been invited to Executive Yuan Cabinet Meetings to report on the progress of reconstruction-related work, setting the record for highest number of reports on a single issue in the Executive Yuan Cabinet Meetings, and also showing the care and attention the Executive Yuan has paid to reconstruction efforts.

Premier Wu Den-Yih stressed that the Typhoon Morakot disaster 2 years ago was an event that caused many casualties and broken homes. The government has also invested a huge amount of funding in reconstruction. There is no reason to rejoice over reconstruction results, however. Instead, we should hold a grateful heart to thank the selfless donations from many citizens and the part they played in disaster relief and reconstruction efforts. He asked that the relevant ministries use effective channels to express Taiwan's gratitude to those who made donations both from Taiwan and abroad.

Premier Wu Den-Yih pointed out that as we have currently entered the typhoon season, the Ministry of the Interior and local governments must be sure to reconfirm that the standard operating procedures relating to evacuation mechanisms for areas which frequently form islands during disasters have been established and completed. In addition, the disaster prevention specialists and volunteers which the Council of Agriculture have set up around the island can achieve significant disaster prevention results after the appropriate training in basic disaster prevention and possession of simple disaster prevention maps. The Council of Agriculture should continue their active efforts. As moderate Typhoon Muifa is approaching Taiwan, Premier Wu Den-Yih also pointed out that the public should strengthen Typhoon prevention efforts as Typhoon Muifa's path is highly similar to the path Typhoon Winnie took 14 years ago.

Premier Wu stated that ensuring the safe passage of various reconstruction infrastructure construction projects through the flood season is a major challenge. There are still a few months until the conclusion of the flood season at the end of November, so the relevant governmental departments should remain cautious. In addition, he asked that the relevant departments fully explain to the public that any preventative construction has its limits, so when rainfall exceeds flood design standards it may still result in disaster. They should comply with President Ma Ying-jeou's principles that "When it comes to fighting enemies, we must anticipate the most, and prepare for the worst" and "disaster prevention is more important than disaster relief. Avoidance of disaster is better than prevention disaster". Comprehensive disaster prevention and avoidance mechanisms will prevent damage and casualties.

As Premier Wu pointed out, one cannot be lax about any detail regarding reconstruction efforts. Bridges and connecting roadwork that have not been contracted out or completed must be monitored aggressively, as these types of infrastructure are closely related to the livelihood of the local people. This the most important task at hand, so that the public truly sees the impact of reconstruction efforts.

Premier Wu stated that as the Reconstruction Council and colleagues from the related ministries have worked very hard while fully engaged in reconstruction efforts, their dedication was commendable. He instructed the Secretary General of the Executive Yuan, Lin Join-sane, to publicly recognize meritorious personnel once the current stage of reconstruction efforts comes to a close.
 

行政院吳敦義院長主持會議。(圖／重建會資料照片)